Students complete visual and performing arts program
Hollister Youth Alliance Collaborative After School Academy
(CASA) and San Benito High School Joven Noble presented a
dramatization of
”
The Giving Tree
”
May 27, at the San Benito High School auditorium. This
performance was the culmination of the CASA (Collaborative After
School Academy) Visual and Performing Arts after school
program.
Students complete visual and performing arts program
Hollister Youth Alliance Collaborative After School Academy (CASA) and San Benito High School Joven Noble presented a dramatization of “The Giving Tree” May 27, at the San Benito High School auditorium. This performance was the culmination of the CASA (Collaborative After School Academy) Visual and Performing Arts after school program.
Through out the academic school year three HYA after school sites (Calaveras, RO Hardin and Maze Middle School) implemented an original visual and performing arts curriculum created expressly for CASA after school programs. With the funding support of grants from David and Lucile Packard Foundation, HYA was able to write its first edition of the CASA de Milagros Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum. Although CASA programs have long been following the visual and performing arts as their vehicle for extended learning in the after school field, this was its first year of full implementation of the final curriculum project.
The culminating event included participation of every CASA student and students from the Joven Noble program at San Benito High School in the production process. Performance production included: set design, music, dance, drama, lights and sound, and stage management. The CASA program membership is approximately 300 students.
The CASA After School Program enables youth to cultivate an appreciation of literature and extended learning opportunities through the arts. It allows for students to demonstrate their knowledge and self-confidence in visual art, music, or theater, while working collaboratively and drawing from all member’s strengths.
“Our youth benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of the creative process and learning critical life skills that bring joy and fulfillment,” said Victoria Valadez, HYA Programs Manager, in a press release.
Hollister Youth Alliance has provided free after school programs to local children since 1995. These programs have become centers of hope, encouragement and fun. Current after school programs serve six school and community-based sites in Hollister with additional counseling and intervention services. HYA reaches out to more than 400 youth each day. Hollister Youth Alliance after school programs are an example of the leadership development and creative enrichment opportunities that after school programs can provide.
“The CASA program keeps students engaged in learning because of its interactive style,” said Diane Ortiz, the executive director of HYA. “The program builds collaborative leadership using creative activities like music, art, drama, and technology. HYA is proud to be able to offer these programs to youth who might not otherwise get the opportunity.”
Registration for the 2011-2012 school year is now open. Applications are available at the school offices, at the onsite CASA offices, or at the main HYA location at 310 Fourth St, Ste 101. Updates about current HYA events and programs are available at hollisteryouthalliance.org.